In this episode, Al Doan, the founder of the Missouri Star Quilt Company turned investor at Rolling Fun, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and investor. He discusses starting the quilt company as a way to support his mother and how it grew into a successful business. He also talks about his transition out of the company and his ventures into tech startups, investing, and real estate. Al shares his passion for revitalizing small towns and his experiences as a founder, including the challenges and sacrifices involved. He emphasizes the importance of finding happiness and fulfillment beyond financial success. In this conversation, Al Doan discusses the importance of setting realistic goals and reflecting on past aspirations. He emphasizes the need to adjust goals as one grows and changes. Al also shares advice for his younger self, encouraging patience and a focus on personal fulfillment. He highlights the value of learning from failures and frustrations. Additionally, Al discusses finding joy in the journey and the importance of enjoying the process. He shares his reading preferences and talks about his exciting projects for the year, including involvement in local politics and exploring various hobbies and trades. You can watch/listen to the podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.

Chapters

00:48 Starting the Missouri Star Quilt Company

02:16 Transitioning out of the Quilt Company

03:13 Starting Let's Make Art

04:33 Venturing into Tech Startups

05:01 Investing and Real Estate

09:24 Revitalizing Small Towns

10:35 Balancing Work and Family

12:14 The Therapeutic Catharsis

17:52 Stepping Back from the CEO Role

20:14 Finding a New CEO

22:44 The Challenges of Being a Founder

23:10 The Happiness of Founders

25:30 The Cost of Being a Founder

28:19 The Addiction to Validation

29:17 The Illusion of the Finish Line

30:58 The Ego-Driven Nature of Founders

32:06 The Loneliness of Founders

33:27 The Difficulty of Letting Go

33:45 Setting Unrealistic Goals

36:06 Reflecting on Past Goals

36:18 Advice for Younger Self

39:30 Lessons Learned: Patience and Timing

41:37 Finding Joy in the Journey

44:36 Reading Preferences

45:30 Exciting Projects for the Year

45:53 Interest in Local Politics

46:47 Exploring Lost Trades and Hobbies